Hello.
My name is Charles Davis and I'm a General Utilities Supervisor and now Inspector in the Norfolk City’s Department of Combined Utilities.Our teams ensure that residents have access to clean drinking water, accurate billing and when there is a storm we assist in minimizing flood-water damage to homes.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been numerous concerns dealing with adequate personal protection equipment and proper social distancing. I’ve watched office personnel get rearranged to adhere to social distancing practices. In the field, it’s not possible due to the nature of work that requires multiple employees to complete complex assignments.?
Within the essential functions of my job description, the Standard notes that we are subject to communicable diseases several times a week, as well as?physical danger?and various fumes and odors daily. As stated in the interview process “This is an Essential Position which means you may be required to work nights, weekends, and rotating shifts, and holidays in response to severe weather events and emergencies.”
As a Supervisor, my personal Health and Safety, as well as that of my colleagues who provide daily Essential Public Services, are my priority. We are potentially exposed to COVID-19 in our work environment daily.??How would I explain it to workers family if a crew member dies of COVID-19 after exposure at work? We know the seriousness of this pandemic because one of our coworkers has passed away due to Covid-19.
?Right now, the lack of preparation is a major concern for myself and my colleagues. Who knows? As it stands right now, we can be exposed with no proper assessment or quarantine.
?I feel that the Standard should include following up with workers exposed to COVID-19. The Standard should also include a COVID-19 exposure log and requirements for managing cases.
?Please help us by making the VOSH infectious disease standard permanent effective January 27th. Support the Front-Line Workers here in the City of Norfolk and across Virginia.